Independent experts are playing an increasingly strategic role in the resolution of cross-border construction disputes, helping parties navigate technical complexity, assess risk and support decision-making throughout the dispute process.
These themes were explored during a seminar co-hosted by Accuracy, the Beijing International Arbitration Commission (BIAC) et JunHe LLP, titled “Breaking the Deadlock in Cross-Border Construction Disputes Involving Chinese Enterprises: The Value and Best Practices of Independent Experts”. The event brought together more than 70 participants from law firms, in-house legal teams and the construction industry.
Opening remarks were delivered by Haoliang Zhang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing International Arbitration Commission, followed by keynote addresses from Yupeng (Yves) Hu, Partner at JunHe LLP, and Liyan Bi, Arbitrator at BIAC.
Accuracy experts Samuel Widdowson, Benoît Meulewaeter et Leong Munyou then shared practical insights and case studies from delay, technical and quantum perspectives, illustrating how multidisciplinary expertise can help parties address some of the most challenging aspects of construction disputes.
Several key themes emerged from the discussion : first, the growing technical complexity of construction projects is increasing the importance of independent experts. Many disputes involve engineering, scheduling and delay-related issues that extend beyond the core expertise of tribunals and legal counsel. Early expert involvement can help test assumptions, identify critical evidence and strengthen case strategy before positions become entrenched.
Deuxièmement, effective dispute analysis increasingly requires a multidisciplinary approach. Establishing the root causes of project issues often depends on combining expertise in engineering, project delivery, delay analysis and damages assessment to build a coherent and evidence-based narrative.
Finally, the discussion highlighted the fundamental role of experts in supporting arbitral decision-making. An expert’s duty is to assist the tribunal by presenting objective, independent and clearly articulated analyses. The most effective experts are those who can translate technical complexity into accessible conclusions that support informed decisions.
The seminar reflects Accuracy’s continued involvement in the field of international arbitration, construction disputes and expert witness services, and its commitment to sharing practical perspectives with legal and industry stakeholders across Asia.
